Charles Vernon

LEESBURG, FLA. – Charles Hampton Vernon, 87, died Friday, February 6, 2009.

He was born in Chattooga County, on February 19, 1921, the son of the late Charles and Ethel Vernon. He and his wife, lived in Jefferson for 35 years before moving to Florida. He was a retired cotton buyer. A proud World War II veteran, he served in the United States Navy as a Radioman First Class and Intercept Operator with the Fleet Radio Unit, a part of the Naval Security Group. He was a member of First United Methodist Church of Jefferson, the American Legion, and the U.S. Naval Cryptologic Veterans Association. Mr. Vernon was preceded in death by a sister, Mildred Abbot; and son, David R. Vernon.

Survivors include his loving wife of 62 years, Jean Beadles Vernon; daughter and son-in-law, Betsy and John Harrington of Leesburg, Fla.; daughter-in-law, Kathy Vernon Long, Prosperity, S.C.; granddaughters, Suzanne Godsey and Jessica Vernon, both of Arden, N.C., and Katie Gurley, Atlanta; grandsons, Ben Vernon, Charlotte, N.C., and Alex Gurley, Dawsonville; and a great-granddaughter, Lillian Ruth Godsey, Arden, N.C.

Memorial services will be held on Wednesday, February 11, at 1:00 p.m. at First United Methodist Church of Jefferson, with the Revs. John Harrington, Cary Gibson and David Beadles officiating. Honorary Pallbearers will be the Stan Escoe Sunday School Class and the Original Romeo Club. Burial will be at Memorial Park Cemetery in Gainesville, Georgia.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that memorials be made to the Florida United Methodist Children's Home, 500 South Columbia Drive, Decatur, GA, 30030-9952.

Evans Funeral Home, Jefferson, is in charge of arrangements.